Newton County
MS · Pop. 21,151 · Suburban County
Newton County, Mississippi covers 578 square miles with a population of 21,151 and a density of 36.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, haylage. The median home price is $103,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.8%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 215-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.1°F and average winter lows of 33.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 58 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Tishomingo Health Services, Inc is 3.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.8% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 215-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.8% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $103,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Tishomingo Health Services, Inc, with an emergency room, is just 3.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 22% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Newton County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 80/100
- Median home price
- $103k
- Property tax
- 0.8%
- Growing season
- 215 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 58"
- Broadband
- 81.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Tishomingo Health Services, Inc, 3.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Newton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Newton County?
- Newton County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 215-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.1°F, and average winter lows of 33.3°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $103,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.8%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Tishomingo Health Services, Inc is 3.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Mississippi Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Newton County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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